Medical Questions » Autoimmune Diseases Questions » Question No. 106
Question:My daughter has had SLE for twenty years. She is now getting ulcers and pains in her legs. She takes prednisone and aspirin, but no doctor can explain her problem to me.
Answer:Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a relatively common, but seldom written about, autoimmune disorder. In this condition, the autoimmune reaction attacks the joints, skin, liver, and kidney most commonly, but almost any tissue in the body can be affected. 85% of SLE occurs in women, and usually young women. It can have a very variable course, from a mild arthritic complaint that causes only slight intermittent discomfort, to a rapidly progressive disease that leads to death within a few months. Fortunately, most patients are towards the milder end of the scale. The common characteristics of SLE are a red rash across both cheeks and the bridge of the nose (' butterfly rash' ), rashes on other areas that are exposed to sunlight, mouth ulcers, arthritis of several joints, poorly functioning kidneys and anaemia. In addition, patients may complain of a fever, loss of appetite, tiredness, weight loss, damaged nails, loss of hair and painfully cold fingers. The symptoms vary dramatically from one patient to another, and none will have all these problems. Arthritis is the most common link between them, but because of the varied symptoms and progress of the disease, it is often difficult for doctors to diagnose SLE. Once suspected, specific blood tests can diagnose the condition. Anaemia and reduced kidney and liver function may also be detected on blood tests. Treatment will depend upon the severity of the disease. Many patients, with relatively mild symptoms, will require no treatment, or occasional treatment for arthritis. Sun exposure should be avoided, and because some drugs are known to precipitate the condition, all non-essential medications should be ceased. In more severe cases, a wide range of drugs including steroids, cytotoxics, immunosuppressives and antimalarials (used for their anti-arthritis properties), may all be used in various combinations and dosages. There is no cure available for SLE, but nearly 90% of patients are still alive more than ten years after the diagnosis is made. Many patients are free of symptoms for months on end before a further relapse requires another course of treatment.
       
eXTReMe Tracker